Big Ears 2026 Preview

In advance of the 2026 edition of the Big Ears festival in Knoxville, Tennessee–happening 26-29 March–Joseph Sannicandro reflects upon this year’s programming and previews some of the most anticipated performances.  Knoxville, Tennessee’s Big Ears festival of contemporary music first popped

ACL 2025 ~ The Top 20 Albums of the Year

This year’s top album was a revelation: one of the humblest records we’ve ever covered drew acclaim from our entire staff.  In a year of tumult, it comes as no surprise that we would be drawn to the quiet and

ACL 2025 ~ Top Ten Rock, Post-Rock, Folk & Jazz

The last of our genre lists brings the guitars, the energy, the aggression, but also the sweetness, as some of these albums include moments of surprising tenderness.  Their dynamic contrast highlights their emotional impact.  Catharsis is a word often used to

Gwenifer Raymond ~ Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark

One of the most fascinating performers we’ve been privileged to cover, Gwenifer Raymond has a PhD in astrophysics, operates as a video game and A.I. programmer, and is fascinated with sci-fi and folk horror.  In particular, she is drawn to the